Dive into a culinary adventure with our delectable Dungeness Crab Stuffed Shells! This Italian-inspired dish combines the delicate sweetness of fresh Dungeness crab with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, all nestled in tender jumbo pasta shells. Perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these stuffed shells are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let’s uncover the secrets to making this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Dungeness crab meat
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking and add additional flavor.
- Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the crab and cheese mixture, using a spoon to distribute the filling evenly. Place the stuffed shells open-side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are mostly covered but not completely submerged.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the shells are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to slightly brown and cheese to become golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Crab: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality canned Dungeness crab meat. The sweeter the crab, the better your dish will taste!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This will help prevent mushy shells.
- Mix it Up: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed spinach or artichokes, for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Sauce It Right: Use a good-quality marinara sauce or homemade sauce for the best results. A touch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like a bit of heat!
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the stuffed shells to rest for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving adds a beautiful touch and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
